My "05 E500 4matic w/60k recently started making a funky noise when making tight turns at low speed. Most noticeably when parking. It doesn't need to be cranked fully to the left or right to do it, it starts maybe 3/4 of the way to a full turn. The car kinda bucks and sputters a bit until the wheel is straightened out.
I would certainly appreciate any insight.

Shawn

 

I would turn the wheel to each side to the fullest and start by looking in the wheel well are and see if anything is in there or if something could be broken. If nothing find yourself a shop and take it in.

 

I've had it on the lift. Nothing obvious and it only makes the noise under load.
My guess is something to do with the 4wd as my pickup makes a similar noise when I have it in 4wd and make a tight turn.

 

Checked the PAs fluid level?

Suspect it could be a front drive shaft joint seized up.
Inspect the joint boots very carefully whilst on a lift to determine whether there is a hole that could have allowed water into the joint.

Stuart

 

Get the multi-disc transfer fluid changed by the dealer(this stuff has to be measured by a thermal imaging sensor) costs about $150. The problem will go away in a few miles! Regards, Bob

 

Maybe you could educated me by explaining this a little further?
Multi disc?
Transfer fluid?
Why change it?
measured by thermal imaging sensor?
Why will the problem go away.

Interested in your explanation!!
Stuart

 

transfer case recall...thats prob your problem..it will get a new one at the dealer if you still under warranty

 

Agree with ShawnNYC. I have 2004 E500 similar syptoms and I was told by the dealer to change the transfer case oil drive it for few weeks and report back.

The question I have, is the recall only for 2005 or other years as well? And is the recall in US or Canada as well.

I am wondering if the dealer is making me change oil to save $$$ as my warranty expires in less than 10,000kms.

Thoughts???

 

I brought it in to the dealer and it was indeed (as Skigyz suggested) the transfer case fluid. The fluid apparently breaks down over time and the plates start binding, hence the noise.
According to mu SM there is no recall on that transfer case. My E is out of warranty anyway.

 

shawnNYC I was reading your transfer case problem and I'am intrested to see if that fix lasted.I have a 06 E500 4matic same thing going on.
Thanks